David sanders / arizona daily star

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Mike Stoops cannot win.

Two months ago, the UA football coach received criticism for not taking the rivalry with Arizona State seriously enough. Now, Stoops is catching heat for making fun of the rival school's recruiting tactics.

On Thursday, Stoops issued a mea culpa — for comparing Arizona State to a junior college during a news conference a day earlier.

"These remarks were dutifully reported by the media, and not necessarily taken out of context — which was within some of my heartfelt observations about the recruiting process and what it entails for individuals and college football programs," Stoops said in a release issued by the UA athletic department.

"I've since spoken with ASU coach Dennis Erickson. It was a personal mistake and one for which I apologize."

The straight-shooting Stoops made headlines Wednesday when he wisecracked that "Arizona State has turned into a JC, and we're a four-year college."

The comment requires some context: The Star had asked Stoops about the kind of players Arizona must now recruit given the program's sagging graduation rates.

Stoops said it was important to sign the right kind of players, both on the field and in the classroom.

He then took a dig at ASU. "According to all the players, they say it's easier to go to school there, easier to get in," Stoops said.

Late Wednesday, Erickson responded to Stoops' statement.

"The bottom line in recruiting — and all that talk that goes back and forth and stuff — is who is going to win games and who isn't," he said.